How They Voted

The Kansas Senate last week approved Senate Bill 334, which increases penalties for sex offenders, especially in cases where children are victims. Among the new penalties: Mandatory 25-year sentences against adults convicted for a first time of violent sex crimes against a child under 14; 40-year sentences for people convicted a second time of a sex crime, no matter the victim's age; and life imprisonment for a third conviction. Once paroled, any offender who had committed sex crimes against children would be required to wear a monitoring bracelet the remainder of his or her life.

The 35-4 vote sends the bill to the House for consideration.

Sen. Roger Pine, the Lawrence Republican who represents Eudora, voted for the bill.